Joints of the Upper Limb

Joints of the Upper Limb
Joints of the Upper Limb
The sternoclavicular joint, the acromioclavicular joint,
and the shoulder joint are fully described on pages 362
and 364.
Elbow Joint
Proximal Radioulnar Joint
■■ Articulation: Between the circumference of the head of
the radius and the anular ligament and the radial notch
on the ulna (Figs. 9.72 and 9.73)
■■ Type: Synovial pivot joint
■■ Capsule: The capsule encloses the joint and is continuous
with that of the elbow joint.
■■ Ligament: The anular ligament is attached to the anterior
and posterior margins of the radial notch on the
ulna and forms a collar around the head of the radius
(Fig. 9.73). It is continuous above with the capsule of the
elbow joint. It is not attached to the radius.
■■ Synovial membrane: This is continuous above with that
of the elbow joint. Below it is attached to the inferior
Distal Radioulnar Joint
■■ Articulation: Between the rounded head of the ulna and
the ulnar notch on the radius (Fig. 9.73)
■■ Type: Synovial pivot joint
■■ Capsule: The capsule encloses the joint but is deficient
superiorly.
■■ Ligaments: Weak anterior and posterior ligaments
strengthen the capsule.
■■ Articular disc: This is triangular and composed of fibrocartilage.
Wrist Joint (Radiocarpal Joint)
■■ Articulation: Between the distal end of the radius
and the articular disc above and the scaphoid, lunate,
and triquetral bones below (Figs. 9.73 and 9.74). The
proximal articular surface forms an ellipsoid concave
surface, which is adapted to the distal ellipsoid convex
surface.
■■ Type: Synovial ellipsoid joint
■■ Capsule: The capsule encloses the joint and is attached
above to the distal ends of the radius and ulna and below
to the proximal row of carpal bones.
■■ Ligaments: Anterior and posterior ligaments
strengthen the capsule. The medial ligament is attached
to the styloid process of the ulna and to the triquetral
Joints of the Hand and Fingers
Intercarpal Joints
■■ Articulation: Between the individual bones of the proximal
row of the carpus; between the individual bones of
the distal row of the carpus; and finally, the midcarpal
joint, between the proximal and distal rows of carpal
bones (Figs. 9.73 and 9.74)
■■ Type: Synovial plane joints
■■ Capsule: The capsule surrounds each joint.
■■ Ligaments: The bones are united by strong anterior,
Carpometacarpal and Intermetacarpal Joints
The carpometacarpal and intermetacarpal joints are
synovial plane joints possessing anterior, posterior, and
interosseous ligaments. They have a common joint cavity.
Metacarpophalangeal Joints
■■ Articulation: Between the heads of the metacarpal bones
and the bases of the proximal phalanges (Fig. 9.73)
■■ Type: Synovial condyloid joints
■■ Capsule: The capsule surrounds the joint.
■■ Ligaments: The palmar ligaments are strong and
Interphalangeal Joints
Interphalangeal joints are synovial hinge joints that have a
structure similar to that of the metacarpophalangeal joints